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Military/Veteran News Headlines for Monday, May 23rd

This past Friday, President Obama signed a measure into law allowing Female WWII WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) to be interred at the Arlington National Cemetery. In 1977, legislation was passed allowing the WASPs to be considered veterans, but there have been many issues with benefits and the burial rights along the way. The White House said change was necessary to “honor those surviving members of the Greatest Generation — including these pioneering pilots — who served on active duty during World War II.”
Source: Military Times

Obama Lifts Vietnam Arms Embargo –

U.S. President Barack Obama has officially lifted the half-century old ban on selling arms to Vietnam this Monday. The President claims that trust and cooperation has been established between the nations, and Vietnam should have “access to equipment it needs to defend itself”. The changes have received praise from Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang. Vietnam holds about 100 political prisoners, and some U.S. critics and lawmakers stated that Obama should have pushed the Vietnam leadership for greater freedoms before lifting the embargo.
Source: Military Times

Experimental Procedure Shows Progress for Spinal Cord Injury –

A procedure to inject stem cells into the spinal cord in hopes of improving movement and function appears promising. James Mason became a quadriplegic following a fall in 2013, leaving him with very limited movement. He was able to participate in the experimental procedure at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, which took about 4 hours. After 3 months, Mason has become stronger, sensation has returned to his feet, and has slight movement in his hips. The company who sponsors the procedure reported that 4 out of 6 patients experienced improved function. It is difficult to know what would have occurred during recovery without the procedure, so more research is necessary to prove if the stem cells can repair spinal cord damage.
Source: CBS

The Battle to Recapture Fallujah Begins –

In the early hours of Monday, the Iraqi government announced that forces have moved forward to recapture the city of Fallujah. U.S. and coalition airstrikes, Iraqi troops, and Shiite militias provided back up and pushed ISIS militants out of the surrounding farmland. Recent airstrikes have been on “fixed targets”, including facilities like IED factories and command centers. American Commanders expect requested airstrikes will increase once the combat becomes more intense. It is estimated 800 to 1,000 ISIS fighters are currently in Fallujah.
Source: CBS News